NSUK VC Delivers Keynote Speech as NAYFLI Launches Historic First Cohort for Young Female Leaders

The Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, Fellow UNESCO, ACLS, FIIFP, CBER, FNIPR (Hons), Erasmus +, on Thursday, 11th June, 2026, delivered a keynote presentation at the official launch and unveiling of the maiden cohort of the Nasarawa Young Female Leaders Initiative (NAYFLI).

The event, themed “Rising to Lead: Empowering Nasarawa Young Women for Impact, Influence and Sustainable Development,” was held at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hall, Muhammadu Buhari Way, Lafia, and attracted government officials, commissioners, development partners, and other distinguished guests.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Halima Aliyu Doma-Kutigi, emphasized the importance of purposeful leadership rooted in service, integrity, and commitment to societal development. She noted that leadership is not about power but is about serving others and creating opportunities for positive change.

Professor Doma-Kutigi urged the young women to take full advantage of the mentorship and training opportunities provided through the initiative to build confidence, competence, and professional networks. She encouraged them to remain resilient in the face of societal stereotypes and to recognize collaboration, mentorship, and community engagement as vital tools for effective leadership.

She further advised participants to initiate practical community development projects, stressing that sustainable impact is often achieved through consistent and meaningful actions. The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that the programme would nurture a new generation of leaders committed to integrity, transparency, and excellence.

In a goodwill message, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, represented by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe commended the organisers for their vision and commitment to promoting women’s leadership. He expressed optimism that the initiative would produce future leaders capable of occupying strategic positions in national development.

The Governor praised the Founder of NAYFLI, Halima Gayam, for transforming her vision into a structured platform and called for stronger partnerships to sustain and expand the programme beyond the state. He also urged the participants to serve as ambassadors of excellence and leadership.

Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by her Special Assistant, Princess Dr. Jummai Idonije reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership and youth empowerment.
She described NAYFLI as a strategic platform for developing future legislators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.

Similarly, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Margaret Elayo described the initiative as a movement designed to equip young women with leadership skills, mentorship opportunities, and networks necessary for societal transformation. She encouraged the participants to champion causes such as environmental sustainability, education, social inclusion, and climate action.

In her welcome address, Founder of NAYFLI, Halima Gayam, explained that the initiative was established to strengthen women’s participation in leadership and development. She disclosed that participants were carefully selected from the 13 Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State through a rigorous process, bringing together young women committed to service, leadership, and community impact.

According to her, the initiative seeks to bridge gaps in access to mentorship, leadership opportunities, and professional networks while equipping participants with skills in civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and community development in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In his closing remarks, the co-founder of NAYFLI, Aminu Hashidu Danjuma, expressed appreciation to the governor, commissioners, dignitaries, partners, and participants for their support and contributions toward the success of the programme. He expressed confidence that the initiative would produce future leaders who would contribute meaningfully to the development of Nasarawa State and Nigeria.

The highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the maiden cohort of NAYFLI, presentation of onboarding materials and letters by representatives of the First Lady of Nasarawa State, Her Excellency, Hajia Silifat Abdullahi Sule, and the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, followed by group photographs to commemorate the historic occasion

©️ Information and Protocol Unit, 2026.
Nasarawa State University, Keffi